Review and Uninstall Suspicious Apps
It's important to regularly check your installed applications and remove anything you don't recognise or no longer use.
- Go to the Home Screen and lightly press and hold on any app icon until all icons begin to 'jiggle'.
- Tap the '–' (minus) symbol on the top left corner of the suspicious app.
- Select Delete App, then confirm by tapping Delete.
- Alternatively, go to
Settings→General→iPad Storage. Review the list of apps and tap on any you wish to remove, then select Delete App.
Tip
If an app continues to appear after being deleted, check your App Store purchase history to ensure it's not being automatically reinstalled.
Check for and Remove Unwanted Configuration Profiles
Configuration profiles can change system settings, often without your explicit knowledge. They are sometimes installed by organisations or third-party apps.
- Navigate to
Settings→General. - Scroll down and look for
VPN & Device Management. If you don't see this option, you don't have any profiles installed. - Tap
VPN & Device Managementand then select any profile you don't recognise or trust. - Tap Remove Profile, then enter your iPad passcode if prompted.
Important
Removing a legitimate profile (e.g., from your workplace or school) may affect your access to associated services. If in doubt, consult your IT administrator.
Review Device Management and VPN Connections
Beyond profiles, some apps might install device management or VPN settings that give them control over your device's network traffic.
- Go to
Settings→General→VPN & Device Management. - Under VPN, tap the 'i' icon next to any VPN configuration you didn't set up or don't trust.
- Tap Delete VPN to remove it.
- Under any listed Mobile Device Management, tap on it and look for options to remove the management profile if it's unfamiliar. (This is the same as configuration profiles, but highlights the distinction in how it's visually presented)
- Also check
Settings→General→Transfer or Reset iPad→Reset→Reset Network Settingsto clear any lingering network configurations.
Good to know
Be cautious when removing VPNs. Some legitimate apps use them for privacy or security, but malicious ones can use them to monitor your internet activity.
Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)
If the above steps don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect deep-seated compromise, a factory reset is the most comprehensive solution.
- Back up your important data first! Use iCloud (
Settings→[Your Name]→iCloud→iCloud Backup) or a computer. - Navigate to
Settings→General. - Scroll down and tap
Transfer or Reset iPad. - Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and complete the reset. Your iPad will restart as if it were brand new.
Important
This action is irreversible and will delete all data, settings, and apps from your iPad. Only restore from a backup you trust.
Was this guide helpful?
Know someone who needs this? Send them the guide.
JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers